What you need to know
Even if Prince William becomes king one day, he won’t be the only royal to have his title changed.
When King Charles dies, William immediately becomes monarch and chooses the king’s name. He will also have to make important decisions regarding his and Duchess Kate’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The conferring of titles is a centuries-old practice in royal families. For example, royal expert Debrett says the tradition of giving the title Prince of Wales to the eldest son of a monarch dates back to 1301.
Prince William and Duchess Kate may not have to make any big decisions right away. Given that George, Charlotte, and Louis are currently 12, 10, and 7 years old, respectively, it could take some time for the family to decide on their future course if Prince William ascends the throne in the next few years. In fact, many major titles are awarded on wedding days or when members of the royal family come of age.
So what titles will Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis ultimately be given after their father becomes king?
prince george
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When William becomes king, his eldest son Prince George will inherit several titles. In accordance with royal tradition, George immediately becomes Duke of Cornwall. He will also automatically inherit several other titles, including the title of Duke of Rothesay in Scotland.
George is also likely to be given the title Prince of Wales, although that may depend on his age and his father’s marital status at the time of his accession. Prince William was 40 years old and married when King Charles became monarch, so he was granted the title almost immediately. However, it is possible that Prince William decides to postpone until his son is of age, or to confer the title on his son on his wedding day if those events have not yet occurred.
In addition to the title Prince of Wales, he would be given several other titles, including Earl of Chester. However, William’s title of Duke of Cambridge will not immediately become George’s. It could go back to the crown and possibly be given to someone else.
princess charlotte
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Compared to her siblings, Charlotte has far fewer potential titles. The title of duke is only given to men, and the only way for a woman to become a duchess is by marrying a duke.
The only major title Charlotte can earn is that of Princess Royal. Although a lifetime peerage is purely honorary, it is the highest honor bestowed on a female member of the royal family. British etiquette expert Debrett points out that only seven princesses have held the title since Charles I created it for his daughter Princess Mary in 1642. The current title holder is Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, Princess Anne.
However, for Princess Charlotte to inherit the throne, the throne must be vacant, meaning she cannot become a princess until Princess Anne dies.
prince louis
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Like his sister, Louis does not automatically receive the title when his father becomes king. But as a male successor, you have far more options.
Debrett said the most obvious prospect is the title of Duke of York, which has traditionally been given to the king’s second son since Edward IV in 1474.
Queen Elizabeth’s father, George VI, was known as the Duke of York until his brother, Edward VIII, abruptly abdicated in 1936.
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However, some believe the title of York has been tainted by the scandal surrounding King Charles’ younger brother Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his dukedom and other royal titles, including prince, in October 2025, and will not be re-granted in the future. Presumably, when the time comes to bestow a duchy on Louis will depend on what titles are vacant and available.
